Ball Python (Cinnamon)

Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python

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Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically reach 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females tending to be larger and bulkier than males. In rare cases, females may approach 6 feet.

• Appearance:

  • Cinnamon produces a dark chocolate-to-reddish-brown snake with reduced side spotting and bold dorsal striping. As adults, they often display a deep, rich tone with a somewhat “smoky” appearance.
    

• Distribution: Native to West and Central Africa, where wild-type ball pythons are common.

• Habitat: Wild ball pythons inhabit savannahs, grasslands, and farmland edges, usually sheltering in rodent burrows during the day.

• Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator, preying on small mammals and birds.

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Captive Care

• Enclosure: A 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) is sufficient for most adults. Provide at least two hides (warm and cool side), climbing branches, and a water bowl large enough for soaking.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain an ambient gradient of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area at 88–92°F (31–33°C). Night drops to 72–75°F (22–24°C) are fine. Humidity should be kept around 50–60%, with a humid hide available for shedding.

• Diet: Juveniles feed on hopper mice or rat pups every 5–7 days; adults typically take medium rats every 10–14 days. Adjust prey size to the snake’s girth.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Ball pythons are generally docile, calm, and tolerant of handling, making them one of the most popular pet snakes worldwide.

• Special Considerations: Despite morph variations, all ball pythons require the same husbandry standards.

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Genetics Note

• Cinnamon (Co-Dominant): Produces darker, reddish-brown tones with reduced side patterns and bold dorsal striping. When bred to another Cinnamon or Black Pastel, the combination can produce a “Super Cinnamon” (solid dark snake), though these sometimes hatch with kinking or deformities.